I was thinking again...so that means it's time to write! Being over in Afghanistan has dampened my political rantings. Obama hasn't heard from me for at least 5 months. There's too many other things to say about being here in Afghanistan. For instance, funtime, happy times! I like to try to make everyday fun. Waking in the morning is the biggest blessing of the day, so we not expand on that with cheerfulness spreading!
For one, How can you not be cheery here. The sun is warm and bright, not a cloud in the sky and where I am it's breezy too. A perfect day...and just ignore the occasional missiles and gunfire. It is very easy to acclimate and become complacent here because the grass is growing and the poppies are in bloom and beauty surrounds you.
I greet everybody I meet with a big "Hi!" I met someone a long time ago and I walked up and said, "Hi" with a big smile and of course. We became good friends and hung out constantly. It was a year or more before I found out that my secret friend was going to commit suicide on that day. Of course I can talk anyne's ear off and maybe I did that so thoroughly that they forgot their intention- who knows. The secret is safe, though the story is out. You never know what is going on in someone's life and a smile could make all the difference in someone's today.
Another benefit is that people like to spend time with happy people, so you make new friends everywhere especially when you troll around like I do. For example, when was the last time you were stuck in a grocery line with beat'um up Betty who complained about the lines and how slow the cashier works- loud enough to make her move slower...I REALLY appreciate that. It makes my feet want to kick someone's big arse when the make life hell for the rest of us...or rather to wait longer in line. Much more efficent to crack a smile and strike up a productive chat.
Which makes me think about the patients that I see here. It's amazing how many come back for follow ups on their illnesses and injuries and just to shoot the breeze. My coffee pot is almost always going and it's a long way from home. I do understand and not only is it a job, I perform a public service with caring and compassion... and get to yak-a-way at the same time! Happy times...
